Socceroos slide down FIFA rankings

THE Socceroos have dropped down FIFA's latest world rankings, which were released on Thursday.

Ange Postecoglou's men slid to No.50 in the world, despite beating Thailand 2-1 in their most recent World Cup qualifier.

Last month's 2-0 loss to Japan in Saitama saw the Australians drop five places from the previous rankings.

The rankings are significant because they will affect how teams are drawn for next year's World Cup in Russia.

The Socceroos take on world No.75 Syria next month in a two-legged Asian playoff, with the winner then playing the fourth-best team from the North and Central American zone for a place at the World Cup.

Germany has returned to the top of the rankings, taking over from Brazil as the world No.1.

Brazil most recently had a draw with Colombia, while Germany has had wins over the Czech Republic and Norway.